Benita Rose Monteiro Kinlin Grover-COMPASS

03/16/2026

Happy birthday daddy! March 16th 2021! Miss you so much! Love blessings and love!

08/08/2025

I gained 125 followers in the past 90 days! Thank you all for your continued support. I could not have done it without you. 🙏🤗🎉

11/12/2024

09/09/2024

Good morning,

DID YOU KNOW?

* Nearly half of online property inquiries to agents are simply ignored. A recent survey found that of those that got a response, the median time to hear back was a reasonable 39 minutes. The average time, though, was less reasonable: 8 hours and 17 minutes. (Miami Herald)

* An estimated 26 billion pounds of likely perfectly safe and edible food is thrown away each year because the date on its label has passed. Refrigeration may be entering a new era.....might that ubiquitous Sub Zero or Gaggenau fridge be on its way out? More than a sixth of the world’s fossil fuel energy is used for refrigeration already. The artificial cooling we’ve built for our food to live in and travel through is already 5.2 billion cubic feet in size and expanding rapidly. What many deem 'fresh' could be quite old, preserved via cooling....new tech may change this. And our kitchens. (FAST COMPANY)

* Everyone wants to live a happy life. The way to experience that is through finding ways to be of service to one another. Helping others is scientifically proven to benefit our well-being; it connects us to one another and helps us find a greater purpose in life. It doesn’t just improve your mental health but your physical health, too. Help can be achieved many ways.... by listening to your loved ones, holding the door for someone, collaborating at work, sharing your ideas and unique perspective, and encouraging others to be their best. Every day, there are countless ways to help, meaning there are countless opportunities to experience happiness. Closer to home, personally I have found that agents who are self-obsessed, entirely focused on their own gain and well-being are often anxious, paranoid, miserable, whilst those who genuinely give of themselves, share, collaborate, etc are significantly happier.....

* The 10 fastest-growing U.S. suburbs with home values under $500,000:
Mooresville, N.C.
Hamtramck, Mich.
Buckeye, Ariz.
Union City, Ga.
Canyon Lake, Texas
Olive Branch, Miss.
Maricopa, Ariz.
Clermont, Fla.
Leesburg, Fla.
Goodyear, Ariz. (CNBC)

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COMPASS Catch

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116 University Place
Greenwich Village, NY
4 Bed | 2.5 Bath | $8,500,000 | Frank Suriano and Danielle Nazinitsky

Spanning the entire fifth floor, this home is an exceptionally rare 3,056 square feet and multiple corner exposures over the tree tops of 13th Street and University Place. Beautifully appointed, featuring elegant and playful interiors designed by renowned interior designer Chiara de Rege and thoughtful customizations in layout to create a space that flows effortlessly.



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868 Lincoln Avenue
Palo Alto, CA

4 Bed | 3.5 Bath | $5,250,000 | Paul Yang

This exceptional home embodies a sophisticated modern aesthetic with luxurious upgrades and finishes. Extensively renovated in 2019, this residence showcases an open floor plan and modern design.



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29831 Highview Circle
San Juan Capistrano, CA

6 Bed | 4.5 Bath | $4,250,000 | Nicole Schatz and Cheryl Lynch

Experience unparalleled luxury and tranquility at this custom equestrian estate in San Juan Capistrano's coveted Stoneridge Estates. Nestled on nearly 1.25 acres at the end of a cul-de-sac, this property offers a secluded ambiance while being just moments from beaches, and shopping. The estate features a detached two-story guest house with two bedrooms and two baths, complementing the main residence's 4,300 square feet of luxurious living space.



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1802 Alder Street Southeast
Lacey, WA

3 Bed | 1 Bath | $445,000 | Mikaela Ji and Nicole Ji

Discover this charming rambler in Lacey. Nestled on a nearly 13,000 square foot lot, this 960 square foot home offers ample space with a one-car garage with additional parking for cars, RVs, and more! The fully fenced yard offers a private oasis, ideal for outdoor relaxation and entertaining. Embrace the tranquility and space this delightful property has to offer. Conveniently located close to stores and public transportation, this home combines privacy and accessibility. Ideal for those seeking space and tranquility with easy city access. Don't miss out on this gem!


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2716 Cuesta Road
Santa Barbara, CA

3 Bed | 2.5 Bath | $2,997,000 | Randy Haden

On a premier street in the highly desirable Samarkand neighborhood of Santa Barbara. Ideally positioned to take in mountain and coastal views from the back view deck. Meticulously maintained with newly renovated kitchen and bathrooms on large lot. Featuring a studio apartment with a full bathroom and office on the lower level.


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503 Summit Street
Nashville, TN

4 Bed | 3.5 Bath | $769,000 | Tony Carletello

Discover the epitome of modern Nashville living in this unique 2022 custom home, perfectly situated to enjoy the vibrant West Nashville shops and dining scene. The true highlight of this home is the expansive rooftop deck, ideal for entertaining or simply enjoying panoramic sunrises and sunsets.


Are Large Institutional Investor Buyers A Blessing Or A Curse?
Who doesn't love an all cash, quick-close offer? Who doesn't love an entity that swoops in and buys up lots of unsold inventory when markets are not booming (even though neighbors might deplore the prices if discounted)? I have yet to meet that seller.... but many of these offers over the past few years have come from large institutional investors buying up large swaths of homes to rent out as they saw rents rising.

Now in areas where rents have stagnated or fallen, and the value of homes are sharply up from 5 years ago, some investors are selling. Some have loans expiring soon that would require re-financing and higher rates, thereby depleting returns. Some might have to return funds to investors. Some might wish to do 1031 exchanges from residential into commercial where there are now areas of great opportunity? When they sell - after making substantial profits - their attitude towards pricing is often different to that of an individual owner or small investor. They may care a lot less about cutting a price to 'liquidate an asset'. If you bought an investment property for $500,000 in 2020 and now can sell it for around $900,000, cutting the price to $800,000 to accelerate the sale does not matter as much after a few years of collecting rising rents, depreciating and still achieving a capital gain of 60% using capital borrowed at an extremely low rate....

Any time we see artificially fueled price escalations, we should be certain that this could be followed by equally artificially accelerated price declines.... its all part of the nature of rebalancing free markets. Do we want to prevent/curtail these massive corporate purchases in the future? And if we do so, what if we are in a market with excessive inventory where the 'vulture buyer' is a blessing, not a curse?

Have a MAGNIFICENT MONDAY!

08/23/2024

DID YOU KNOW?

* Robert will be on CNBC today, Friday August 23 at 10:40am ET. tune in....

* Several Fed officials acknowledged there was a plausible case for cutting interest rates at their July 30-31 meeting before the central bank’s policy committee voted unanimously to keep them steady. (BLOOMBERG)

* Urbana Bueno has developed the first-ever “FlexShare” property in Miami, Vida Edgewater Hotel & Residences. The turn-key units are designed to be split in half allowing you to rent both sides at the same time...and you can rent these 365 days of the year, with daily rentals. All returns should factor in the costs paid to the hotel management....

“A few rate cuts are not going to prevent

a recession. Average recession is 10

months… It takes something like a year

before fed cuts actually start to give a

boost to the economy,”

- Garry Evans, Chief Global Strategist, BCA Research (CNBC) Is the Fed responding to lots of outdated data too slowly the way they did when inflation was rising?

* All-cash offers made up 27% of July sales, up from 26% the year before and far higher than the historical norm. (CNBC)

* Lots of apartments are being constructed in the US with more than 500,000 units scheduled for completion in 2024, the first year this threshold will be reached. In total, over two million new units are expected by 2028. In the last 5 years, from 2019 to 2023, 116,207 new apartments were completed in the New York metro area, second only to Dallas, where 128,418 were finished. In the next 5 years, from 2024 to 2028, 150,327 are expected in New York. Dallas is expected to follow New York and is expected to complete 108,178 apartments by 2028. (NY TIMES)

* Closed sales of previously owned homes rose 1.3% in July compared with June to a seasonally adjusted, annualized rate of 3.95 million units, according to the NAR. That was the first gain in 5 months. Sales were 2.5% lower compared with the same time last year. Sales saw the biggest gains in the Northeast and were flat in the Midwest. Prices also rose the most in the Northeast.

* A lawyer leading the NAR suits estimates he spent 7,000 hours - a ton of work! - on Gibson and other commission suits for work totaling $10.1million since 2019 (Inman)....which equates to roughly $1,442 per hour. I think he earned every penny and I commend him for his income and promise not to restrict it in any way, or question it...... I feel certain these fees were fully disclosed too. Maybe real estate agents would be better served by billing by the hour too? How many real estate agents earn $3 million per year? All of a sudden a 7% commission sounds kinda....cheap? Or is it just me.... 😂😂😂

COMPASSnews-makers:
***WALL STREET JOURNAL: This off-market listing caught the attention of the Wall Street Journal and WOW.....you must check it out! The lakeside 8-acre estate with 655 feet of water frontage on tony Lake Minnetonka in suburban Minneapolis is being shopped off-market for $68 million by COMPASS Minnesota's John C. Adams and John F. Adams. When it sells it would shatter all local records!
***NEW YORK TIMES: Niklas Hackstein of COMPASS New York has made headlines with his Gramercy listing.
*** THE ROBB REPORT: COMPASS Malibu's The Mark & Grether Group's new listing at 21940 Lamplighter Lane in Malibu was just featured here!
*** COMPASS Miami's South Florida super-star Team Simpkin - with over 22 years experience - has officially been named The Official Realtor of The Miami Marlins. COMPASS is thrilled to have one of its teams represent The Miami Marlins. Go Miami Marlins! Go Team Simpkin!

If you'd like to add someone to this morning memo, (including friends, family or colleagues outside of the COMPASS Family), please click here and include their full name and email address. Thank you!

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COMPASScatch

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177 9th Avenue
Chelsea, NY
4 Bed | 3.5 Bath | $11,000,000 | Michael Johnson, Hayim Nommaz, Anne Rossi and Johnson & Nommaz Team

Perched on one of the most coveted blocks of West Chelsea, 177 Ninth Avenue Penthouse A offers an elevated experience like no other. Spanning 3,452 square feet across two levels with an incredible 2,640 square feet of private outdoor space, this once-in-a-generation home beautifully blends the luxury of penthouse living with a sense of serene privacy.



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801 Bean Hollow Road
Pescadero, CA

6 Bed | 4 Bath | $7,980,000 | Eva Chen and Jeff Chen

Set on approximately 18 mostly level, fully fenced acres with stunning ocean views, this coastal retreat custom built in 2008, boasts a contemporary design blending natural elements with modern sophistication. A charming white picket fence and covered front porch welcome you, while fresh exterior and interior paint create a cohesive aesthetic. Large dual-pane windows flood the home with natural light, and sliding glass doors open to a flower wall and backyard patio.



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15 Torrey Pines Lane
Newport Beach, CA

4 Bed | 4.5 Bath | $13,900,000 | Arlen Raubach and Jenni Nakhjavani

Completely reimagined just three years ago, this stunning single-level home in Newport Beach’s exclusive guard-gated enclave of Big Canyon showcases a magazine-worthy contemporary design that is destined to stand the test of time. An elevated cul-de-sac homesite of nearly 18,900 square feet offers city-light views and uncompromising privacy.



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36 Comillas Drive
Westlake, TX

4 Bed | 4 Bath | 2 Half Bath | $3,199,000 | Rosie Smelcer

Welcome to 36 Comillas located in Entrada at Westlake, a picturesque community inspired by the Spanish architecture of a quaint Catalonian village. Standout features of this exquisite waterfront property include its outdoor visibility and unique setting. A canal flows beneath a charming stone bridge and the sound of the fountain in the background adds a touch of zen creating a relaxing retreat. Inside, the modern aesthetic is evident with detailed finishes that add character and sophistication.


208 Reveille Road
West Lake Hills, TX

5 Bed | 5.5 Bath | $3,750,000 | Mark Strüb and Jack Strub

Reflect and relax in 4,760 square feet of well-crafted living space or recreate on a lush 0.367-acre lot that includes a pool, spa, and splash zone all under a fully retractable cover, a covered patio with grill, and an optional playground. The multiple-room primary suite is tucked away upstairs and offers a rare opportunity to separate yourself from the typical kitchen, dining, and formal entertaining area distractions.


43 Chatham Heights Road
Chatham, MA

5 Bed | 4.5 Bath | $4,250,000 | Chris Rhinesmith, Jessica LaRocco and Pam Wise

This private hideaway on 1.4 acres will transport you to a serene and sun-infused getaway overlooking a lush landscape of greenery and water views. Custom design detail, a soothing color palette, and a sophisticated open floor plan make this home truly unique.


NIMBY or YIMBY?
Let's Do MIMBY!

There are two camps out there: one that screams "NOT in my backyard!" (NIMBY) and the other says "YES in my backyard!" (YIMBY). Much of the world is clear: local opposition to new development and construction has been a primary driver of excessive housing shortages and extreme home pricing in many areas. Maybe we need an alternative to these extremes: "MAYBE in my backyard!".....or MIMBY?

The world suffers from extreme, tribal-style viewpoints in almost everything these days: some say real estate agents do nothing and are grossly overpaid, and others say without agents the world would end and they should be paid much more: Somewhere in between those extremes lies reality. The data and facts are very clear: local opposition has indeed been a devastating hindrance to homebuilding and the construction of essential infrastructure. The effects of these delays became more noticeable in the past years as higher rates showcased just how much these delays add to the cost of housing. Those who oppose any form of new construction are often selfish at best. However, many who oppose new construction often have very rational, real concerns that the other side - those that want to build anything, everywhere, anytime - should hear, evaluate and address. Surely there is a way to intelligently and efficiently address the concerns of those who oppose building and strike rational compromises that satisfy both extremes?

There are some parts of the world that are doing exactly this: listening to all concerns, finding common ground and then formulating realistic, practical solutions. So it may be the time to start collectively yelling "MAYBE in my backyard!"....or MIMBY! Maybe the NIMBY's concerns are real and require real solutions and MAYBE the YIMBY's blind faith in building anything, anywhere, everywhere has elements that are irresponsible and may actually do damage to neighborhoods? The first step is to gather ALL the data, facts, concerns, etc honestly and thoroughly, preferably removing all politics which inevitably slow things down, distract and fuel anger and division: Without accurate data and facts, there are never any great, real, sustainable solutions.

There is almost always a middle ground solution to most things. Why don't we give that a try?

Have a FAAAAAABULOUS Friday!

Regards,

08/20/2024

Good morning,

DID YOU KNOW?

* Data from the census bureau shows that new housing completions were up 15.5% year on year in June, but a 4% year-on-year decline in starts suggest that some builders are putting construction on hold. (FT)

* Higher rates are actually having an adverse effect by fueling inflation: Rent inflation soared to 8.18% in March 2023 — a 42-year high — but was 5.2% in July, still much higher than the 2% target. (FT)

* Weather impacts everything, especially farming: cocoa, orange juice, eggs, and coffee prices have all soared double digits mostly due to crop/produce damages....all boost inflation.....that boosts interest rates.....that impacts real estate. (CNBC)

“We’re not going to see home sales go

gangbusters because of one rate cut by the

Fed. I think [the cut’s] more of a sigh of

relief.”

- Ryan Sweet, chief US economist at Oxford Economics.

If you'd like to add someone to this morning memo, (including friends, family or colleagues outside of the COMPASS Family), please click here and include their full name and email address. Thank you!

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COMPASScatch
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1230 Neptune Avenue
Encinitas, CA
4 Bed | 4 Bath | 3 Half Bath | $24,850,000 | Khaki Wennstrom

Introducing a rare gem in coastal luxury that represents the pinnacle of new construction and the last opportunity of its kind for an oceanfront residence on the California coast. This magnificent 7,089-square-foot home is a showcase of architectural mastery and exclusive living, uniquely permitted on a coastal bluff where such development will no longer be allowed.



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5 Spyglass Woods Drive
Pebble Beach, CA

3 Bed | 3 Bath | $2,695,000 | Mark Peterson, Dana Bambace and Bambace Peterson Team

Amidst the forests, beaches, and fairways of Pebble Beach, this inviting home is ready for summertime enjoyment. This turn-key "lock and leave" home, allows you to fully embrace resort-style living in Pebble Beach. Enjoy proximity to the renowned seven Pebble Beach golf courses, The Lodge, Spanish Bay, The Hay, and front-row seats to the annual AT&T ProAm. Centrally located, it is just minutes away from Carmel and Pacific Grove.



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201 East 77th Street
Upper East Side, NY

2 Bed | 2 Bath | $1,200,000 | Boris Sharapan Fabrikant, Esq., Skye Whitman, Collin Bond, Esq. and The Fabrikant Bond Team

This charming co-op boasts an inviting atmosphere with ample natural light flooding through its south-facing windows, illuminating the spacious interior. The warmth of the sunlight accentuates the rich hardwood floors, creating a cozy ambiance throughout the large living room.



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63525 Quail Springs Road
Joshua Tree, CA

1 Bed | 2 Bath | $799,000 | Ty Nasief

Reconnect with nature and experience the serenity of Joshua Tree at this stylish five-acre desert haven. This charming ranch-style retreat sits less than a mile from the national park entrance, the expansive lot borders the protected conservancy and can be divided into two, offering potential for growth and investment.


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58 Coopersmith Lane
Inlet Beach, FL

6 Bed | 7 Bath | 2 Half Bath | $7,500,000 | The Beasley Group

A unique offering within the gated confines of Watersound Beach. Backing up to Deer Lake State Park, the location marks the perfect setting for this custom-built home featuring elements not seen in its surrounding neighbors. The New England architecture blends perfectly with rustic elegance. Enjoy some of the most scenic views in our area from the boardwalks leading across the preserved dune structure taking you to the large stretch of private beach.


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5092 West 98th Place
Westminster, CO

4 Bed | 3 Bath | $837,500 | Jen Miller

Easy low-maintenance living, all on one floor! This home is truly move-in ready with dramatic vaulted ceilings, central vacuum, and brand-new flooring throughout the main floor. Any chef will love the endless prep and storage space in the kitchen, the raised and updated appliances, and the thoughtful updates throughout to make cooking a dream, plus the great patio for dining and entertaining al fresco!


Build, Baby, Build!
Anyone wishing to bring down the cost of housing need look no further than the natural gas industry to see what it takes. Natural gas prices have plummeted in recent months...why? LOTS of production. Overproduction! Yes, increased production that increases supply almost always brings down prices.

But then, usually after some extreme exuberance with the thinking that the more you produce, the more people will buy, reality sets in and supply starts to outstrip demand. Now there is an oversupply of natural gas in the US. 120 rigs were drilling in February....that is down to 98, down 20% as production cuts have been initiated to reduce supply....and prop up prices. These adjustments take time and production cuts take about 6-9 months to register in overall supply. Yup, natural gas has become increasingly less profitable and the forces of economics automatically kick in to reduce supply in this supply-demand driven world. Few - if any - companies will continue producing lots if it's unprofitable. Period. While consumers love discounts and lower prices, if those prices are a result of no producer profitability - or losses - that moment will be just a moment.

The above scenario happened in the early 2000's: home construction was roaring as home prices rose and builders saw the ability to reap huge, growing profits. By January 2008, the US housing market had 9.8 times more unsold new homes than the December 2007 sales volume, which was the highest ratio since 1981. There were also almost four million existing homes for sale, with about 2.2 million of those vacant. When people see soaring markets, speculators add to the mix exacerbating the problem as we see now in the cocoa markets.

And then what happened? The housing market crashed and it took several years to recover home pricing, but in the process, lots of home BUILDERS left the business altogether. Many have still not been replaced. Many with high skills needed to build left the industry and never returned. Even after a decade, production never recovered, even as the population has grown and homes age. Recent home prices soared and higher rates have not hurt pricing dramatically as intended.

So let's be careful of what we wish for: yes, building needs to be ramped up lots, but know that when things go too far, chances are they hit a wall sooner or later as too many are unrealistically optimistic, and then things get messy and it can take years to recover as that damage spreads to other parts of the economy.

Have a TERRIFIC Tuesday!

07/15/2024

Good morning,

DID YOU KNOW?

* Boomtown Bust? A narrative is floating around that several areas around the US that experienced massive growth - and home price escalations - are about to go bust with sharp valuation declines. Before anyone surmise this they should acknowledge two things:
1. Prices soared and its natural that there will be some stabilizing and re-balancing after massive escalations in a short period of time. That is inevitable. Will prices decline to pre-pandemic levels? Very unlikely. Why? Replacement costs are way up and demand remains strong while inventories are mostly pretty stable.
2. If someone bought last year at a 'high', chances are they will not be selling for several years. Most stay in their home for at least 10 years.....with the average around 13 years.

* King Charles Buys In Manhattan! That was the headline, however, the press had it all wrong....again. The actual buyer was the Canadian Government. Slightly different......

* HERE is a great article that summarizes in 6 charts why buying a home right now is tough for many. (CNBC)

* The other day I received a truly wonderful gift from a BUYER's agent thanking me for all the help and collaboration to get a deal put together with some complexities.......a contract signing gift to a co-broker? I love the idea! It was a simple, not terribly expensive, but beautiful gift from Wick and Glow Candle Company in case you need an idea of what you might send? And you get a 10% with the discount code: REALTOR.

If you'd like to add someone to this morning memo, (including friends, family or colleagues outside of the COMPASS Family), please click here and include their full name and email address. Thank you!


COMPASScatch

14 Sutton Place South
Sutton Place, NY
4 Bed | 4 Bath | 2 Half Bath | $9,500,000 | Tom Postilio, Mickey Conlon and Jennifer Rahilly

Experience the epitome of refined living in this exquisite duplex penthouse at Sutton Place South. Situated within one of Sutton Place's superior pre-war white-glove cooperatives, this superbly renovated residence boasts panoramic exposures and an expansive wrap-around terrace. This sun-kissed aerie is one of the crown jewels of this tony enclave.



10 Broadmoor Avenue
San Anselmo, CA

3 Bed | 1 Bath | $1,590,000 | Matt Knight and Justin O'Reilly

Catch the perfect blend of modern comfort and timeless appeal at 10 Broadmoor Avenue, nestled in the heart of San Anselmo. This charming Spanish bungalow, built in 1936, spans 1,530 square feet and features coved ceilings, detailed archways and moldings, and refinished hardwood floors. The remodeled kitchen is a haven for culinary enthusiasts, boasting top-of-the-line appliances, plus plenty of cabinet and counter space to indulge your culinary creativity.



766 East Spencer Drive
Palm Springs, CA

5 Bed | 3 Bath | $1,389,000 | Paul Fisher and Brian Gonzalez

Iconic Mid-Century Butterfly Alexander expanded to a spacious masterpiece. This legendary design has been tastefully updated with a new pebble finish pool, pool equipment, fencing, landscaping, flooring, and completely repainted. The commanding double entry door leads to the expansive open-concept kitchen, living room, multiple dining areas plus a separate wet bar and fireplace. An entertainer's dream!



1252 Hayes Drive Southeast
Smyrna, GA

6 Bed | 5 Bath | $1,495,000 | Christina Patrick and Intown Collective

Welcome to a stunning home featuring a newly built heated saltwater smart pool and spa with an automatic cover, three levels of Trex decking, including a covered porch off the primary suite, and a screened-in porch with a gas fireplace. Inside, hardwood floors grace the main levels, and the fully finished basement offers a wet bar, gym, and soundproof music room. The home also includes upgraded flooring, designer lighting, professionally installed closet systems, an organic garden, a strawberry garden, a two-car garage with epoxy finish, and a fully fenced yard in an amazing neighborhood.


8 Jan Court
Inlet Beach, FL

7 Bed | 7 Bath | 3 Half Bath | $4,299,000 | Merry Morgan Holotik and Nicholas Henderson

This custom luxury home is built on a lot with high elevation, located only one tier back, has beautiful Gulf views, and is across the street from public beach access. This seven-bedroom home has an open floorplan with a private pool, Wolf-Subzero appliances, European white oak flooring, crown molding, custom luxury tile, an elevator, a gourmet kitchen, professional Alarm system.


800 Dorothy Street
Houston, TX

5 Bed | 4.5 Bath | $1,174,900 | Jenny Becker

A fully updated and expanded Craftsman-style home offers an unbeatable blend of modern luxury, quality custom finishes, and prime accessibility. The comprehensive renovation enhanced every part of this home while adding more than 800 square feet of covered patio space. Situated on a prime corner lot in The Heights, one of Houston’s most desirable and accessible neighborhoods!


NeueHouse Interview

I recently did a speaking engagement at NeueHouse - the New York and Los Angeles private club that is a work and gathering space for creatives - with super-star AD100 interior designer Nate Berkus who is working on a new building we will be marketing in Greenwich Village. This was a follow-up interview I did that I thought I would share with you today:

Describe your ideal workspace (both the physical and mental essentials):
I love beautiful aesthetics. They influence my mood and creativity and calm me, so my workspace has to be beautifully appointed. To help achieve this, my office has oak chevron-pattern hardwood floors, soft lighting, and original artwork on the walls. It’s not quite as exquisite as NeueHouse, but that is certainly an inspiration. I don’t need ultra-tech, but the tech I use must work. I love being able to walk everywhere, too.

Current read or listen?
I read lots of current news and data. For real-time insights, I enjoy reading the comments section of most articles. Now, I am reading Good Living Street, a book about Viennese life around 1900, gifted to me by Nate Berkus. I also enjoy listening to Scott Galloway’s podcast.

What’s something you’ve discovered in the last year that now you can’t live without?
I was given an iPad and have rediscovered looking at old photos of trips and other memorable moments. It’s so much more satisfying than viewing it on the tiny screen of my phone. Striving for the next is wonderful, but celebrating and enjoying the past is equally satisfying and inspiring. In a FOMO-fueled world, it’s important to remind yourself of wonderful past experiences.

Name a person or piece of creative work that’s influenced your own:
I’m inspired by a wide variety of people and things. I’m a visual and wisdom sponge/blender: I love absorbing many data points and images and blending them together for my take on things. I love great architecture and design, so helping create new buildings throughout Manhattan encourages me to look at everything to learn. I discovered Nate Berkus’ work many years ago: today, I appreciate it even more as I have seen how well it ages. Design that stands the test of time is the ultimate test.

A metaphor to describe your creative process:
“To be Mature is to be Manure.” To be creative, you have to study lots and view everything with a fresh set of eyes. So my process is to always be acutely aware of what everyone else is doing – and has done – here and around the globe, not blinding myself to just one ideology or way of thinking. One has to be open to evolving and growing, seeing new things, and experiencing new things. A youthful set of eyes is essential if you wish to evolve: an improved eyeglass prescription has helped.

Where can we find you on a Saturday morning?
I start my Saturday morning in the conservatory of my weekend home, the perfect setting, as it’s seasonless, bright, and filled with plants year-round. I start around 5 a.m., read lots, and write my daily morning memo to the COMPASS family and beyond (I have done this for 10 years every day, reaching around 50,000 recipients). And then I head into the garden: Nature answers most of life’s questions.

During your conversation with Nate at NeueHouse you mentioned the idea of “enjoyment per square ft..” How do you measure that?
EPSF – enjoyment per square foot – is different for different people. Personally, I purposefully acknowledge my home and how much I love so many aspects of it. I truly enjoy my home and what it does for my quality of life. And yes, while the cost to build and maintain it is high, it is my ultimate reward for 40 years of hard work. Measuring enjoyment is often forgotten until it’s acknowledged….that requires some reflection and thought. It’s impossible to live in (and enjoy) your Apple stock. And if you are not enjoying your home, move, or hire a great interior designer. Home is the hug at the end of a tough day, reminding you why you work so hard! Enjoyment may be the one thing left that cannot be measured by dollars.

You moved back from Douglas Elliman to COMPASS when it was a new tech startup. How confident were you about that move at the time – did you have a sense that tech was about to become a big player in real estate?
I felt technology creeping into almost everything I did 15 years ago, and the tech was not keeping pace with my needs and demands, unlike other industries. In COMPASS I saw people with skill sets outside of real estate that had the potential to build a tech ecosystem to support the work of humans, not replace them. The combination of high tech AND high touch is in the COMPASS DNA. Professional real estate advisory is very demanding both emotionally and technically: a human agent that is fully tech-equipped and supported is in the best interests of the consumer.

You’ve built an iconic career in a notoriously grueling industry — New York real estate. What do you think is the secret to your success?
There are others more successful than me, and I loathe bragging, but if I’ve accomplished one thing, it’s that I have achieved success beyond my wildest dreams without compromising my ethics and professional standards in a profession that still rewards and applauds certain players simply because of their sales figures. If anything, I demonstrate that success can be achieved without being a disgusting, self-consumed human.

What is the most valuable piece of work-related wisdom that has ever been passed to you and by whom?
Time is the last luxury. My parents instilled this into me at a very young age….the value of time. It is the most valuable, limited commodity and should never be abused or wasted. It requires discipline and management. It has to be acknowledged and appreciated fully. Managing how you use your awake hours – and sleep hours – influences everything you do. And it is the one thing all 8 billion of us have in common besides needing a home: we are all running out of time.

Have a Magnificent Monday!